Activity Overview
Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Georgia and create a timeline of events. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Examples of Important Events in Georgia History
1540: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto is the first European to arrive in Georgia.
1733: The British Colony of Georgia and the city of Savannah are established by James Oglethorpe.
1776: Georgia signs the Declaration of Independence.
1788: Georgia is the 4th state admitted into statehood on January 2nd.
1861: Georgia joins the Confederate states in the Civil War.
1921: The boll weevil destroys much of Georgia’s crops.
1977: Georgia governor Jimmy Carter becomes the President of the United States.
1996: The Summer Olympics are held in Atlanta.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4-6 cell timeline of important events in Georgia's history.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the state’s name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Georgia and create a timeline of events. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Examples of Important Events in Georgia History
1540: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto is the first European to arrive in Georgia.
1733: The British Colony of Georgia and the city of Savannah are established by James Oglethorpe.
1776: Georgia signs the Declaration of Independence.
1788: Georgia is the 4th state admitted into statehood on January 2nd.
1861: Georgia joins the Confederate states in the Civil War.
1921: The boll weevil destroys much of Georgia’s crops.
1977: Georgia governor Jimmy Carter becomes the President of the United States.
1996: The Summer Olympics are held in Atlanta.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4-6 cell timeline of important events in Georgia's history.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Use the provided blank template or add cells to your own template as needed.
- Write the state’s name in the top heading.
- In the title box, list out each of the events in sequential order and add correct dates.
- Describe the events in the description boxes.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about History of Georgia
How to Guide Students in Researching Credible Sources for Georgia History Timelines
Empower your students to find reliable information by teaching them how to use age-appropriate books, trusted websites, and primary sources. Model how to evaluate sources for accuracy and relevance, so their timelines include factual, well-supported events.
Show students how to brainstorm key historical events before starting.
Guide students to list important moments in Georgia’s past they already know, then prompt them to ask questions about what else shaped the state. This sparks curiosity and sets a purpose for their research.
Demonstrate how to check dates and details for accuracy.
Encourage students to double-check dates and facts using at least two sources. This helps them avoid errors and builds good research habits for future projects.
Model organizing research notes with a simple chart or graphic organizer.
Show how using a chart with columns for event, date, description, and source makes information easy to find and use. This keeps research organized and helps students stay on track.
Encourage peer review before creating the final timeline or poster.
Have students share their chosen events and sources with a partner for quick feedback. This step helps catch mistakes and boosts confidence before moving to the timeline creation phase.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Georgia
What are the most important events to include in a timeline of Georgia's history?
Key events for a Georgia history timeline often include Hernando de Soto's arrival in 1540, the founding of Savannah in 1733, Georgia's signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, statehood in 1788, joining the Confederacy in 1861, the boll weevil infestation in 1921, Jimmy Carter's presidency in 1977, and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
How can students create an engaging timeline of Georgia's history for a classroom project?
Students can create an engaging timeline by selecting 4–6 significant events, adding accurate dates, writing brief descriptions, and illustrating each event with images. Using a poster or digital template can make the project visually appealing and interactive.
What is a timeline poster, and how can it be used to teach Georgia history?
A timeline poster is a visual representation of events in chronological order. Teachers can use it to help students organize and present key moments in Georgia's history, making learning more interactive and memorable through presentations or gallery walks.
What are some creative alternatives to traditional timeline assignments for Georgia history?
Creative alternatives include making timeline posters, digital timelines, storyboards, or gallery walks. These formats allow students to showcase research through art, technology, and presentation skills while covering vital events in Georgia's past.
Why is it important for students to choose meaningful events when creating a Georgia history timeline?
Choosing meaningful events helps students focus on the most significant moments that shaped Georgia, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the state's development and impact on U.S. history.
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